Woman found dead in Gangtok flat; live-in partner arrested
Zayed Ansari, who was present in the flat at the time of the discovery, has been taken into custody for questioning.
LOCAL
A woman was found dead under mysterious circumstances today in a rented flat located in the Green Dale area of Tadong. The deceased has been identified as Hema Devi Chettri, a resident of Lingdok. Present at the scene was Zayed Ansari, who has been taken into police custody. Authorities are investigating multiple angles, including the possibility of foul play.
According to police sources, the body was discovered around 6:30 a.m. during a routine foot patrol by duty personnel of Sadar Police Station. The flat, located in a quiet neighborhood, had been rented by the couple for an undisclosed period. Upon entering the premises, officers found the woman lying unconscious. Despite efforts to revive her, she was declared dead at the scene.
Zayed Ansari, who was present in the flat at the time of the discovery, has been taken into custody for questioning. Police are examining all possibilities, including the potential involvement of Ansari in the woman's death. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
This incident adds to a growing list of criminal activities in Sikkim. Recent reports indicate an increase in crime rates across the state. For instance, in June 2025, 32 BNS cases, 1 IPC case, and 27 cases under Local & Special Act were registered, compared to 29 BNS cases and 11 Non-IPC cases in the previous month. Similarly, in May 2024, 54 IPC and 20 Non-IPC cases were reported, highlighting a concerning upward trend.